Mum flips at custody talks

The threat of losing her children sent a Hamilton woman into a violent rage at a Child, Youth and Family office, Hamilton District Court heard last week.

Hannah Rose Neilson, 22, was charged with assault after a meeting with her ex-partner on April 17, where they discussed the custody of their two children.

Shortly after the talks began she became agitated and started shouting abuse at her ex-partner, the court was told.

She pushed him into a stack of chairs before staff intervened and attempted to split the pair up. However, Neilson pulled away from them and punched her former partner in the chest repeatedly, with a "hammer-like striking motion".

As the man tried to leave, Neilson blocked his path and even strategically arranged chairs at the exit to try to prevent his escape.

When she was restrained again, the man was finally able to leave the room but she chased after him and grabbed him by the jacket.

He slipped out of it and ran off.

Neilson was already serving a sentence of supervision, which was to last until December, and Judge Denise Clark sentenced her to a further nine months to give her access to any counselling or programmes the probation service might deem appropriate.